Consulting Project Autism and Asperger’s

CONSULTING PROJECT

AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S ED 243 Chris Henderson

Which one of these children have Autism/Asperger’s?

Answer? Perhaps all or none of these children

have Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome

From external observation it is almost impossible to tell if a person has Autism or Asperger's

The only way to tell if some has Asperger’s or Autism is through social interaction.

Autism Definition: Autism is a developmental

disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills.

Asperger’s Is an autism spectrum disorder that is categorized

by difficulties in social interaction, and repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders because those with the disability develop with normal to above average intelligence.

Autism Spectrum

Autism vs. Asperger’s Children with Asperger’s usually have a

normal IQ range. Adapt instruction to social skills and needs

Children with Autism might have more cognitive delays Adapt instruction to IQ range.

Symptoms of Autism/Asperger’s: in Social Interactions and Relationships

eye-to-eye gazing, facial expressions

Failure to establish friendships with children the same age

Reciprocity (i.e. sharing enjoyment, interests with others)

Lack of empathy

Symptoms of Autism/Asperger’s: in Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Delays in speech

Problems in holding a conversation

Stereotyped and repetitive use of language

Miscommunication with others

Symptoms of Autism/Asperger’s: in Limited Interests in Activities or Play

An unusual focus on specific objects and topics

A need for sameness and routines.

Repetitive behaviors (ex: body rocking and hand flapping)

What to do when you see the signs? Not easily detected at a young age

With assistance and age they become better with social skills

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWY3ntr3sdI

What is it like to have Asperger’s Disorder?

“Imagine if you were blindfolded and dropped in a foreign country with no map, guidebook, or dictionary. You can’t speak the language, the culture is unrecognizable, you struggle with the terrain, and yet you are expected to make a permanent home there.” - AEIOU Foundation

Activity Culture test

Volunteers

Those who volunteered go outside the classroom

Everyone else wait for directions

Strengths of Students with Autism and Asperger’s

Widespread factual information

Advance vocabulary in a specific

topics

Particular memories/Pay attention to

details

Work independently

Weaknesses

Comprehension and abstract ideas

Difficulties adapting to change

Difficulty communicating and reciprocity

Experiences of anxiety

Poor organizational skills

Instructional Strategies You must know your student

Provide clear and detailed information on the assignments

Be consistent when giving assignments

Be patient

Other Informational Videos Asperger’s Disorder Documentary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_PBVxGEEY4 Part I

Sources Frith, U. (1991). Autism and asperger syndrome. New York: Cambridge

University Press.  Grandin, T. (2004). Teaching tips for children and adults with autism

(online). Centre for the Study of Autism. Available from: http://aeiou.org.au/what-is-it-like to-have-autis.

Indiana Resource Centre for Autism (2005). Autism training sourcebook. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University, Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities

Klin, A., and Volkmar, F.R., “Asperger’s Syndrome,” in Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (2nd Ed.), 1997.

Myles, B. S., and Simpson, R. L., Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Educators and Parents,1998.

Schopler, E., & Mesibov, G. V. (Eds.). (1992). High-functioning individuals with autism. New York: Plenum Press.

T. Attwood, Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, 1998.